Top 10 beaches in Cornwall... Yes there are beaches in England

Posted on 06/05/2018 by Eleanor Morley

Yes I know, England is hardly known for its beaches. But believe it or not, England has been blessed with some very beautiful beaches, perfect for water sports, sunbathing and even dolphin spotting! There are numerous beaches, and you only have to google it to see just how many there are, but here is a list of the top 10 beaches in Cornwall. These are definitely worth a visit!

1. Pedn Vounder, Penwith

This beach is sheltered by towering granite and in the summer, tidal blue lagoons appear which by the afternoon are a perfect temperature. There’s also a nice wild camping ground and a little café on the cliffs by the hamlet of Treen.

2. Sennen (Whitsand Bay)

This mile-long sandy beach is rated highly among water sports enthusiasts. There are a few cafes, a couple of surf shops (which can provide lessons), and due to the size of the beach, even on a busy summers day, you can usually find yourself a nice amount of space. This is slightly tricky to get to, with steep steps weaving their way down the cliffs. But once you are there it’ll be well worth the effort.

3. Kynance Cove

This is one of the most photographed beaches in England, and rightly so with its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, caves and stunning rock formations. This beach is at least 30 minutes from anywhere, and is definitely worth the drive!

4. Harlyn Bay

This beach is best visited during low tide, as high tide can result in almost no sand at all on the huge beach! Perfect for families in the summer, and the westerly winds in the winter make it a haven for surfers.

5. Mawgan Porth Beach

Just north of Newquay, this beach is perfect if you want somewhere a little quieter than the usual mayhem of Newquay tourists. It is sheltered by steep cliffs and has some great caves worth exploring.

6. Watergate Bay

This is a perfect choice for anyone wanting to try some water sports. Top sportsmen (and women!) can often be found gracing these beaches, and for those of you not quite world class just yet, there is the Extreme Academy Surf School which provide lessons to all abilities.

7. Lusty Glaze

For abit more atmosphere, try Lusty Glaze. This private beach is known for its live music and great restaurants. They have beach huts, zip wire and an adventure centre. This beach has even hosted Seth Lakeman and The Proclaimers!

8. Crantock beach

This is a National Trust site with perfect sand, surrounded by sand dunes. You can take part in a number of activities such as canoeing, walking, snorkelling and surfing. If you’re lucky you might even spot the occasional friendly dolphin!

9. Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps

This is another National Trust site, which has recently been updated to make it more accessible. Just north is Watergate Bay, and there are beautiful coastal paths you can do between the two places. Just be careful not to get cut off by the tides!

10. Porthcurno

This beach has won numerous awards, and is great for families. It is sheltered by cliffs, and has a stream that is nice for younger children to venture into. It is also a spot known for its sunsets!

This is just 10 of the many beaches Cornwall has on offer. You could spend weeks going along the coast, discovering small coves, stunning caves and an abundance of wildlife. But if you don’t have weeks to spare, then these are where we think you’d most enjoy! Now all you need to do is pack your picnic!